Cold and flu season does not want to end this spring. Combine that catch-able misery with the vile stomach virus that is going around and it can add up to one miserable spring if you’re one of the unlucky ones that catches these ‘bugs’. Reduce your risk significantly, even to the point of prevention, with these 15 natural health tips that will help prevent colds, flu and the stomach virus.
Wash Hands Often
This simple procedure is your best defense against catching anything contagious. Wash with warm, soapy water for the amount of time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice.
Don’t Touch Face
Illness-causing germs and bacteria need an opening in which to enter your body. The eyes, nose and mouth provide such openings, but if you refrain from touching your face with germ-laden hands, you will prevent the germs from getting in and making you sick.
Don’t Touch
Avoid touching surfaces others have touched, especially in public restrooms. Use a paper towel to create a barrier between your hand and faucet and door handles.
Use Your Elbow
Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands. Raise and bend your arm, turn your head and cough and sneeze into your arm crook. This will sequester the germ-carrying spittle and prevent it from being passed on like hand-to-hand or hand-to-item contact does.
Exercise
Regular exercise, at least 3 – 30 minutes sessions per week, strengthen your immune system and help you fend of cold and flu germs naturally.
Foods that Fight Germs
* Chicken Soup has been shown to ease the inflammation within the respiratory system and make breathing easier for those who are suffering with an upper respiratory tract infection.
* Mushrooms (shiitake, Maitake, and reishi are best) give the immune system a boost so it can fight against several virus, including colds, flu and stomach bugs.
* Ginger is known to calm man upset stomach, the herbal root also contains an anti0viral that targets and fights against rhinoviruses (sinus infections).
* Honey in any warm beverage with sooth a sore throat, suppress a cough and relieve throat irritation with it’s antimicrobial properties.
Herbal Remedies
A variety of herbs have been shown to help reduce the risk of certain illnesses, shorten their duration when contacted and boost the immune system. Consider some of these herbs when looking for natural illness-fighting properties.
* Garlic has long been used for it’s anti-viral properties to fend of colds and open clogged sinuses.
* Ginseng tea is often used to prevent or lessen the duration of, upper respiratory infections.
* Siberian ginseng (not related to ginseng) contains anti-viral properties and boosts immune system.
* Slipper elm, licorice and horehound combine to create a tea that soothe sore throats and suppresses cough naturally.
* Astragalus root tea boosts the immune system and acts as an anti-viral to kill germs.
* Juniper berries contain powerful antiviral properties that can used to create a natural nasal spray to help help and cure upper respiratory tract infections.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
MSN Lifestyle
Enriching Elements
